nashville | light workshop

I’ve been sitting here for awhile, trying to figure out how to write this blog post. Every time I start, it feels like my words are so completely inadequate to express all that I need to say. I want to share with you all how amazing this weekend was. How I learned so much more than I thought I could. How I met fantastic photographers who made me feel so inspired. That I learned more about lighting and photography and even business than should be humanly possible in 12 hours. How totally amazing it was to share the experience with my dad.

To be honest, I signed up for the Gray Photography light workshop, not totally sure if it was the right decision. My dad and I planned to attend a Gray workshop last spring, but with the trip to Israel, we decided it was just going to be too hectic. So when they announced this set of workshops, we decided to go for it. I was cautiously optimistic that we would learn a lot at the workshop, but not totally convinced. How could we possibly learn about off-camera lighting in 12 hours?

My hopeful expectations were absolutely completely and totally blown away. I still feel a bit stunned by all I walked away with – not just in terms of off-camera lighting, but post-production and biz advice. Taking a class from Jody and Zach is like sitting down with your closet friends. (Friends that just happen to be brilliant and know everything about lighting, that is!) They were so open and so knowledgeable and so down to earth.

The other photographers taking the workshop were also incredible – and it so completely and totally thrilled me to be around so many people who share this passion. And once again, I was reminded how blessed I am to do what I do.

Now onto the pictures! Before the workshop began, my mom, dad, Joel and I walked around downtown Nashville.

Joel capturing the scenery via his iPhone =)

I saw this sign and had to take a picture – I felt right at home!

The next day the workshop began … here is Zack explaining the power of the light meter.

Now to remind you, here is what a shot might look like taken with natural light. Totally pretty, right? The problem is, to correctly expose for the face, you have to blow out the sky.

Now here is the same model, same location … with the addition of off camera light … LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is SOOC. Seriously. Now both the model’s face AND the sky are perfectly exposed.

Here are another few shots … look at how the off camera lighting really helps accentuate the natural light. Amazing, huh?

Thanks again to Zack and Jody for such an amazing experience. You both are such great examples of how to give back to the photography community and I am so grateful to learn from that example.